"Wetlands play an essential role in our environment including filtering and cleansing water, providing critical habitat for many plants and animals and acting as a natural shield to protect our landscape through absorbing water runoff and providing a controlled release of water to lakes, rivers and our coast.
"They are biodiversity hotspots and provide many recreational opportunities," said DOC conservation services ranger Daniel Jack.
"Wetlands can be broadly defined as areas where the presence of water is the primary factor controlling the environment and associated plant and animal life.
There are a number of accessible places frequented by people that are classified as wetlands including, lakes, large reservoirs and estuaries."
Some of the most significant and stunning wetlands in the region are found at Lake Ngahewa, Lake Okareka, and Waikite Wetland.
